MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE REGULATORY APPEALS COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON THURSDAY 24 OCTOBER 2002 COMMENCING AT 10.00 AM

Present :

Mrs M J Lloyd, Mr J R Adams, Mr J Effemey

Also present non-voting :

Mr G P Price, Mrs S A Smart

12. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations received at this stage.

13. REPORT OF THE STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE AND ENVIRONMENT SERVICES

(a) The Isle of Wight Council (Various Streets, Bembridge, IW) (Traffic Regulation) Order No1 2002

The proposed restrictions were advertised following a request from the Parish Council, as vehicles including those from the emergency services were regularly being obstructed by indiscriminate parking. The extent of the proposed restrictions were determined after a site visit had taken place with the local Member and representatives of the Parish Council.

Four letters of representation had been received. The grounds for objection were that the proposed Order was unduly restrictive; not only to the businesses but also to residents and that any restriction should only apply between 8am and 6pm – May to September. Those letters that had supported proposed Order believed that the restrictions did not go far enough.

A letter from the Local Member supporting the proposed Order was circulated. The Committee were advised that the Portfolio Holder wished to point out to the Committee that decriminalisation of parking which was currently being considered by the Authority may result in a comprehensive review of all traffic orders. The Police supported the proposals as advertised but believed they could have gone further.

The Committee considered the representations that had been made and asked a number of questions including whether alternative marking would be sufficient alternative. Advice was given that advisory markings were unlikely to be observed and that the road should be free from obstruction for buses and emergency vehicles.

RESOLVED :

THAT the Order be implemented as advertised.

(b) The Isle of Wight Council (High Street, Shanklin, IW) (20 Speed Limit) Order No1 2002

The Committee were advised that the restrictions had been advertised following a study, by consultants. This had identified two main areas where personal injury accidents occurred. The study also recommended the introduction of anti-skid surfacing which had since been carried out. A study of vehicle speed had shown that speed of traffic in the centre of the series of bends was less than 20mph that met requirements of imposing a 20mph speed limit. The Police supported the proposed restriction.

The extent of the proposed limit had been determined to reflect the area affected by the pattern of personal injury accidents and the nature characteristics of the site. The Committee were informed that to extend the limit further was likely to dilute to the potential benefits of the proposed restriction and result in additional enforcement difficulties.

The Town Council expressed support for the proposed Order and had requested sympathetic signage. Comments from the local member were circulated who suggested that signs could be placed before the 20mph limit to alert drivers that they would shortly be entering a 20mph zone. The Committee felt that this would increase the number of signs and road markings and would affect the visual appearance of the Old Village

RESOLVED :

THAT the Order be implemented as advertised

CHAIRMAN